Spark of Thought by Lucie Lukačovičová

I received this book as an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to like this story. The concept is interesting, and the cover is really pretty, but I found myself unable to buy into the story. I found Nikola to be too weak willed, and too whiny. I didn't buy Ignatius's obsession with Nikola, and why he decides to do what he does. The romance felt too forced, and I never could understand why these characters fell for each other at all. I actually was rooting for the people trying to break Nikola out, and I never developed any sort of warm feelings for Ignatius, and his situation. Sorry, you torture, and have people burned alive for having magic you're not exactly making my Christmas card list. The ending twist was the final nail in the coffin for me, and was truly a head desk moment for me.



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Ashes on a Distant Wind by Yolande Kleinn

I received this book as an ARC though NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this story. It was short, but well developed, and the world building was really solid. An interesting idea, and I could see how things could play out in that way. The characters were nicely developed, and I got a feel for them as people. I think some of the romantic aspects did feel a bit tropey, and the sex scene was not my favorite. The plot was well focused, and it didn't feel like a chapter plucked out of a larger work. I would however, love to read more about this world, and the characters that inhabit it. Such a neat concept.

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Tournament of Losers by Megan Derr

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this story. The world building was really well done, and had a grittier feel than many of the other m/m fantasy worlds I've read. I liked Rath, and could sympathize with the position he found himself in. I liked seeing him grow, and learn over the course of the story. I thought the relationship building was well paced, and I liked how much both men brought to the table, and how they helped each other. It wasn't one man saving the other, but both of them learning to understand and appreciate each other. I managed to guess one of the plot twists, but I found it didn't matter to me. It worked with the characters, their prejudices, and history. The secondary cast was well developed, and added a lot to the story. A really nicely developed story, and a fun, fast paced read. I basically devoured it in one sitting.

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Adulthood is a Myth: A "Sarah's Scribbles" Collection by Sarah Andersen

I received this book as an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The sense of humor really worked for me, and I felt I could really relate to the author and her struggles. I think had I discovered this book when I was 15 or 20 this would have been a five star review, but at my age some of it was a little too young for it to be relevant to me now. The illustrations have a lot of personality, and made me smile. Overall a really well done book, and I appreciate the author honest look at growing up.






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Real World by Amy Jo Cousins

This was just what my marshmallow heart wanted.

Less angst than what the synopsis lead you to believe.

Just a sweet, sweet follow up on our boys from book one.

Oh...and the ending...evil.



So evil...

I hate crying!

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book in trade for an honest review.

 Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

- E

P.S. I think it's cute that the author thought a pint of cream is scary. Come to Maine deah...we can swap recipes!

Level Hands by Amy Jo Cousins

I am at a loss for words.

*cries*

I wasn't impressed with Rafi at all. He was a total douche for most of the book, with a too little too late ending. I also wasn't impressed with Denny playing games either, the texting the ex get a reaction...not cool dude, not cool.


Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book in trade for an honest review.

Rating: ⋆  

- E

Cherry Bomb by Samantha Kane

I was really looking forward to this book, but I just couldn't get into it. I tried, because I wanted to like it, I did, but there was something about Brian that rubbed me the wrong way.

What I loved about Cherry Pie was the earthiness of the story, the feels that left you raw, and emotionally connected to the characters.

Cherry Bomb not so much.

My break point was when, in less than 24 hours after meeting, the two main characters jump into bed together. It felt forced to me, this nice small town minister jumping into bed with a playboy billionaire for meaningless smexy times.

Maybe I was more bitchy cause I was coming down with the flu. Maybe it was I was thinking contemporary and got new adult. Who knows, maybe I will try to read it again when the summer sun is back, and my vitamin d levels are topped off.

 Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book in trade for an honest review.

Rating: ⋆

- E